Raymond - Merritt WorkBC ESC

I was stressed out, wanting to give up and toss in the towel. I had hit rock bottom. Sometimes I forgot to listen to what was important to me. I had been out of work for 18 months. Stress, anxiety, didn’t have the right people to listen - no one was listening to me. I couldn’t hold a conversation when I first came to Merritt, but I got a roof over my head, got a doctor and had my ID transferred to Merritt in 3 days.

I wanted to find work, expected to pick up a part time job when I moved to Merritt. When I met with a WorkBC Employment Services case manager and explained my situation, they ensured I received the Employment Program of BC supports to fit my circumstances. It’s been a morale booster and nothing but a positive experience. I finished the Bounce Back program and had support through Interior Health. I got support connecting to the community and had support in building my website, which enabled me to contact Hallmark Cards. I sent them a package to purchase my photography. In addition, I’m taking a writing course at the local college which is being covered by WorkBC.

I have a pending contract with Hallmark Cards to provide photographs for their products, and two offers on the table to write articles and submit for the Merritt Herald, and Salmon Arm Observer
Raymond’s motto: “Don’t count me out just yet”